1977 Mazda RX-3 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (603 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 503 more horse power than 1977 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1303 kg more than 1977 Mazda RX-3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 865 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Mazda RX-3 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-3 | CL |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1964 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 603 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 852 kg | 2155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 88 L |
